A gentle dose of electrical stimulation to the brain could sharpen your math skills, according to new research that may reshape how we understand learning potential.
In a study published Tuesday in PLOS Biology, neuroscientists found that applying a painless form of brain stimulation significantly improved arithmetic performance in individuals who initially struggled with math — raising hopes for more equitable learning tools in the future.
The team, led by neuroscientist Roi Cohen Kadosh of the University of Surrey, studied 72 students from the University of Oxford. Brain scans revealed that stronger links between two regions — the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the posterior parietal cortex — were tied to better performance in solving and recalling math problems.
To test if they could enhance these connections, researchers used transcranial random noise stimulation, a technique that uses mild electric currents via electrode caps. For participants with weaker brain connectivity, the results were striking: a 25% to 29% improvement in their scores.
“Some people struggle with things, and if we can help their brain to fulfill their potential, we open them a lot of opportunities that otherwise would be closed,” Cohen Kadosh said.
The stimulation appeared to boost neuron activity and interact with GABA, a brain chemical that regulates neural firing — essentially bridging the gap for those with less efficient natural wiring.
However, individuals who were already good at math didn’t see any improvement, suggesting that the technique mainly benefits those starting from a disadvantage.
While the findings are encouraging, Cohen Kadosh cautioned against DIY brain stimulation and raised ethical concerns. He warned that unequal access to such technology might deepen existing gaps rather than solve them.
“Some people struggle with learning, and if our research proves successful beyond the lab, we could help them fulfill their ambitions and unlock opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach,” he said.
